This document provides an introduction to the Internet. It defines the Internet as the world's largest computer network connecting millions of computers globally. It then discusses the advantages of the Internet such as access to vast information and ability for anyone to publish online. Disadvantages mentioned include information overload and lack of quality control. The document also outlines the basic requirements to access the Internet including a network interface card, access account, modem, and wireless access point.

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2. ICTL for Secondary School - Networks and The Internet Module
MODULE 1
Introduction to the Internet
Curriculum Development Centre
Ministry of Education Malaysia

3. ICTL for Secondary School - Networks and The Internet Module
1. Name of Module : Introduction to the Internet
2. Learning Outcomes: The students should be able to:
a. Define the Internet
b. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of the Internet
3. Knowledge and Skills
a. Locating the meaning of internet
b. Discussing advantages and disadvantages of the internet
c. Showing and explaining basic requirement to access the internet
4. Module Summary:
At the end of the module, students should be able to Define the Internet and
state advantages and disadvantages of the Internet.
• The Internet.
• Advantages of the Internet
• Disadvantages of the Internet
• Requirements need to access the Internet

4. ICTL for Secondary School - Networks and The Internet Module
THE INTERNET
The internet or the Net is the world’s largest computer network which connects millions
of computer all over the world. Many organizations including private as well as
government agencies, educational institutions and individuals are connected to the
Internet.
More than one billion people around the world use the internet daily for a variety of
reasons, including the following:
• Communicate with and meet other people
• Access a wealth of information, news, and research findings
• Shop for goods and services
• Bank and invest
• Take a class
• Access sources of entertainment and leisure, such as online games, videos,
books and magazines
• Download music
• Share information
Advantages of the Internet
1. Data and information rich, including a range of media.
2. Anyone can publish online (tripod.com and other hosting sites)
3. Learners can become researchers because of easier access to data
4. Search engines that are fast and powerful
5. Easy to use.
6. Smaller, faster, cheaper all the time
Disadvantages of the Internet
1. Information overload.
2. No librarians for quality control(with some exceptions, like Kids Click! And other
sites for children).
3. Need for quality control in the data that student find and use.
4. Search engine that show result base on who pays the most.
5. Not enough training for effective use.
6. Push to upgrade constantly.

5. ICTL for Secondary School - Networks and The Internet Module
INTERNET REQUIREMENTS
Basic requirements needed to access the internet :
1. Network Interface Card ( NIC )
A network interface card is a computer circuit board that is installed in a computer so
that it can be connected to a network.
Figure 1: Network interface card
2. Access Account
New subscriber needs to subscribe for an account from the service provider (ISP).
There are several listed internet service providers in Malaysia such as JARING,
TELEKOM MALAYSIA - TMnet, MAXIS - maxis.net and TIME.COM - time.net.
There are two ways of accessing the internet:
a. Direct access:
User computers are directly connected to the internet through a local network
server
b. Dial-up
Accessing the internet is made by making a call through the telephone line to
the ISP
3. Wireless Network Interface Card
Is a network card which connects to a radio-based computer network. It uses an antenna
to communicate through microwave. A WNIC can operate in two modes known as
infrastructure mode and ad hoc mode. In an infrastructure mode network the WNIC
needs an access point while an ad hoc mode network the WNIC does not require an
access point.

6. ICTL for Secondary School - Networks and The Internet Module
4. Modem ( internal and external )
Modem is abbreviation for modulator/demodulator. It is a device that enables a computer
transmits data over telephone or cable lines. Computer information is store digitally,
whereas information transmitted over telephone lines is transmitted in the form analog
waves. A modem converts between these two forms. There are two types of modem,
external and internal modem.
External modem can be attached to any computer that has an RS-232 port. An internal
modem is an expansion board that can be inserted into vacant expansion slot in a
computer.
EXTERNAL MODEM INTERNAL MODEM
5. Hub / Switch
A hub is a device acting as the cable center of a
network that uses to connect segments of LAN and
has either 8 or 16 port. Hub broadcasts the data that it
receives from one port to all of its port.
SWITCH
A switch can also connect multiple communication
lines and it can receive packets from different protocol.
Switch is more intelligent than a hub as it will on only
deliver the data to the particular port. This actually
helps to make the network significantly faster. It filters
and forward packers between a LAN segments.
6. Router
ROUTER
A router is attached to two or more networks an
forwards Packets form one network to another. It acts
as a junction between two or more networks to butter
and transfer data packets among them.

7. ICTL for Secondary School - Networks and The Internet Module
7. Wireless Access Point
WIRELESS ACCESS
POINT
Wireless access point or AP is a device that connects
wireless communication devices together to form a
wireless network. It is usually connects to a wired
network and can relay data between wireless and
wired devices.
References:
1. Ibrahim Ahmad, Mohd Hafiz, Norazlin Mohamed and etall (2007) Information And
Communication Technology (ICT), Kuala Lumpur, Intan Spektra Sdn Bhd.
2. H.L Capron – J. A. Johnson (2004) Computers, New Jersey, Pearson Education
International.
3. Garay B. Shelly, Thomas J. Cashman, Misty E. Vermaat (2007) Discovering
Computers, THOMSON COURSE TECHNOLOGY.